Research Papers 2017

Synopsis: Below you will find details of Research Publications which have been prepared by the Research and Information Service (RaISe) for the Health Committee in 2017.

Review of the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety’s Annual Report and Accounts 2015-16

- Date: 10/03/2017

This Briefing Paper is prepared for the Committee for Health (the Committee), to further enable its consideration of the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety’s (DHSSPS) Annual Report and Accounts 2015-16. It should be noted that this is the last Annual Report and Accounts to be produced by the DHSSPS, following the reorganisation of the machinery of government in Northern Ireland in May 2016, which resulted in the renaming of the former Department for Health, Social Services and Public Safety (DHSSPS), to what is currently known as the Department of Health (DoH).

Breastfeeding: Attitudes and Policies

- Date: 25/01/2017

This paper presents statistical data on rates of breastfeeding globally and in NI. It also reviews recent evidence-based research providing evidence of cultural and social factors influencing women’s choices around breastfeeding, and examines policy and strategies relating to breastfeeding in NI, the rest of the UK and the Republic of Ireland.

This paper provides background information on mental health and illness in Northern Ireland (NI). It provides definitions of mental health and illness; gives an overview of mental illness (including self-harm and suicide) in NI; highlights the relevant overarching strategies and policies and those specific to mental health, mental illness and suicide for NI; describes the care pathway for treating mental health problems, with specific reference to child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS); discusses evaluations of mental health service provision in NI in terms of accessing services and barriers to access; and highlights relevant initiatives in neighbouring jurisdictions.